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UVU MOBILITY MISSION - ESTABLISHED IN 2010

The Utah Valley University Mobility Mission organization (UVU-MM) was established
in 2010. The UVU-MM assists the underfunded, disabled populations by aiding victims
of limb loss and regain mobility. Our purpose is to increase an individual's self-reliance
so they can better support themselves and their family. This organization's vision
is to enable the thousands of disabled individuals in Central America to obtain prosthetic
devices at 5% of the cost of a permanent prosthetic.

Our project began in 2010, when students from Utah Valley University approached Julie
Baker Bagley to create a project that would impact amputees around the world. Having
been involved in humanitarian projects in Thailand, Julie recognized the need for
affordable, waterproof prosthetics for amputees. Douglas T. Wright, who had designed
an inexpensive prosthetic while studying engineering at Brigham Young University,
was contacted. This prosthetic was originally designed and created using polyvinyl
chloride pipe. The process has now been refined to a co-polymer cast attached to a
micro-cellular rubber foot. The patent rights of the component that connects the cast
to the foot belong to the UVU-MM.

Although there is a great need, the cost to send the organization to Southeast Asia
was beyond the funding of the program, and therefore other countries' needs were sought
out. Research showed a need for prosthetics in Guatemala. The country selected was
Guatemala. Doug contacted companies who donated supplies for the prosthetics. The
original prosthetic limb was used like a shoe for short-term use; the newest prototype
has been upgraded for long-term use. Recipients become mobile with an increased likelihood
of employment or returning to school. A prosthetist from Guatemala, Julio Fuentes,
was contacted. He determined which individuals had the greatest need for our assistance
and still continues to donate his time and facilities to train the UVU-MM members.
Those members learn to work with the gait of the individuals who receive the prosthetic,
molding and fitting it to meet their unique stride.

The UVU-MM members utilized fundraising and paid for a 14-day humanitarian excursion
to Guatemala in the summer of 2011. Members were responsible for their own airfare
costs. The first experience helped 15 individuals obtain a prosthetic foot. The 2011
project gained the support of Guatemalan Government. In 2012-2013, the organization
raised enough money to assist 80 people in Guatemala with a prosthetic; 38% of the
patients are female. This project establishes community involvement and self-reliance.
The long-term plan is to establish enough clinics to improve individual employment
or education of the amputees.

Lane Ferrin has been a major asset in the excursions. Over the past 20 years, Lane
has dedicated his life to giving amputee patients the best care available in Utah.
Over the last few years, Lane has become involved with the Mobility Mission as a medical
advisor. Lane not only travelled with and assisted the Mobility Mission in their efforts
in Guatemala, but also trains each student to build prosthetic limbs and guides them
as they work with patients.

The UVU-MM organization would be able to help more amputees have access to this prosthetic
limb with additional funding. The money would fund the strengthening of the design
of the prosthetic limb, purchase supplies and materials, and aid in expansion to create
additional clinics. The organization fundraises throughout the academic year, but
has had a limited ability to gain enough financial support.

The limited resources impact the scope of the project. According to the work health
organization (who) the need for prosthetic limbs affects over 30 million people worldwide
with approximately 2% of individuals in developing countries having access to prosthetics.
Prosthetic devices on average cost $14,000 to $50,000 USD. Including travel expenses
for the volunteers, The UVU-MM prosthetic cost is approximately $500 per prosthetic.
With additional funding, more amputees will have the opportunity to utilize the prosthetic.

Leading Causes for Amputation are:

health related issues such as diabetes, birth defects, and infection

auto related accidents such as hit-and-run and basic driver negligence

work related; on-site construction accidents like electrocution

Patients Surveyed

Ages 4-65

Overall age median, 29 years old

38% of the surveyed individuals are women

An amputation is most likely to take place between 24-27 years of age

89% of patients did not have health insurance at the time of the accident

15% of applicable patients retained their previous employment

91% of applicable patients reported no outside resources/services available to secure
employment

UVU-MM thanks you for your interest. Get connected and help spread awareness for the
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